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Rastrojos Arms Bust Points to Venezuela Military Connection
http://www.insightcrime.org/insight-latest-news/item/2912-rastrojos-arms-bust-points-to-venezuela-military-connectionColombia police have seized weapons from criminal gang the Rastrojos which include guns reportedly traced to the Venezuelan military, hinting at a connection between the neo-paramilitary group and elements of Venezuela's army.
During the operation, which took place just a few miles from Colombia's border with Venezuela, police seized 55 firearms, including M-16, AK-47, and FAL rifles, among others, said Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon. According to a report by El Universal, the weapons had Venezuelan military markings.
Authorities also seized 10,000 rifle cartridges, according to a Globovision/EFE report. In addition to the arms seized, police destroyed two cocaine processing laboratories capable of producing three tons of the drug a month, El Tiempo reported.
The operation in the Norte de Santander department follows the seizure of 29 weapons earlier this year in Cucuta, the department's capital.
